Personal training device using GPS data

ABSTRACT

A personal training device ( 10 ) adapted to assist a user in reaching performance goals, navigating, and accumulating performance statistics. In a preferred embodiment, the device broadly comprises a housing ( 10 ); an attachment mechanism ( 30 ); a GPS component ( 40 ); a user interface ( 50 ), including an input portion ( 52 ) and an output portion ( 54 ); a processor ( 60 ), including a timer ( 62 ) and a memory element ( 64 ); a data interface ( 70 ), including an input portion ( 72 ) and an output portion ( 74 ); an audio component ( 80 ); and a power supply ( 90 ). The device ( 10 ) is adapted to store goal information, monitor performance using GPS-derived data, and communicate performance information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation and claims priority benefit ofU.S. patent application “PERSONAL TRAINING DEVICE USING GPS DATA”, Ser.No. 10/462,968, filed Jun. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,827. Theabove referenced application is incorporated herein by specificreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates broadly to devices using GlobalPositioning System (GPS) data to facilitate physical training. Moreparticularly, the present invention concerns a physical training deviceusing GPS data to assist a user in reaching performance goals andcompleting training sessions by tracking user performance; communicatingprogress, including progress relative to user-defined goals;communicating navigation directions and waypoints; and storing andanalyzing training session statistics.

2. Description of Prior Art

Many people who exercise strive to improve their performance. A runneror a bicyclist, for example, may desire to improve performance byincreasing speed over a defined distance or by increasing total distancethat can be traveled without resting.

One well-known method exercisers may use to improve performance is toset and strive to reach performance goals. This requires that theexerciser measure performance during the training session and comparethe measured performance to the pre-defined goals. For example, if anexerciser desires to increase his or her average running speed, he orshe would set an average speed goal, measure an actual average speedduring a training session, and then compare the average speed goal withthe actual average speed. In this manner, the exerciser is provided withperformance feedback that can be used as a guide for future trainingsessions. To measure actual average speed, an exerciser typicallymeasures an elapsed time of the training session using a stopwatch,measures the distance traveled during the session using a map orlandmarks, and divides the distance traveled by the elapsed time.Unfortunately, this requires that the exerciser carry the stopwatch andremember to start and stop the stopwatch at appropriate points duringthe training session. It also requires that the exerciser determine thedistance traveled. If the exerciser uses a non-standard orarbitrarily-defined course, the distance can sometimes be roughlydetermined from a vehicle's odometer, though the result may besignificantly inaccurate. Where the course cannot be driven with avehicle, such as, for example, where the course is over open country orover water, some other means of determining distance must be devised.Pedometers, for example, are known in the prior art for measuringdistance traveled. Unfortunately, pedometers suffer from a number ofdisadvantages, including, for example, that they must be properlycalibrated; are inaccurate for most forms of movement other thanrunning; and the runner must maintain consistent strides regardless ofsuch factors as changing terrain. Following an arbitrary course can alsomake repeating the course extremely difficult because the exerciser maynot recall the course's exact route. Furthermore, this method makes itvery difficult for the user to be aware of performance and progresstoward reaching the pre-defined goals during the training session.

The prior art methods of measuring performance also make it verydifficult to use goals in interval training, a training system whereinan exerciser strives to achieve different performance characteristicsduring different intervals of the training session. Using thetraditional approach of measuring performance, an exerciser mustrecognize or be made aware of the completion of one interval and thebeginning of the next, and must stop measuring performancecharacteristics of the completed interval and begin measuringperformance characteristics of the next interval. Although many trainingdevices offer a manual “lap memory” feature to facilitate recordingperformance characteristics for multiple intervals of a trainingsession, use of these devices is cumbersome. Using the manual lap memoryfeature in time-based interval training, for example, exercisers mustconstantly compare an interval goal with the time on a stopwatch andmanually trigger lap recording upon completion of each interval. Usingthe manual feature with distance-based and speed-based interval trainingis further complicated because the user must accurately determine adistance traveled or a current speed, which is difficult or impossiblein some situations as discussed above. Thus, the traditional methodsassociated with measuring performance are cumbersome, restrictive, andare not practical or useful for some types of training sessions.

People who exercise also often desire to accumulate performanceinformation over time. An exerciser may, for example, perform ahistorical or statistical analysis of the performance informationgathered over a week or a month. Typically, accumulating performanceinformation involves the laborious process of manually recording theperformance characteristics for each training session over the desiredperiod of time. Furthermore, the exerciser may be restricted toexercising on a particular closed course for extended periods of time inorder to consistently record accurate performance information, such as,for example, distance.

Accumulating performance information becomes more difficult if theexerciser performs two or more types of exercise during one trainingsession and desires to maintain the performance information from eachtype of exercise separately. For example, an exerciser may walk duringpart of a training session and run during another part of the sametraining session and desire to accumulate running statistics separatelyfrom walking statistics. Traditionally, this would require the exerciserto be aware of transitions from one type of exercise to another and beable to record session information such as, for example, distance, foreach type of exercise. This may be difficult or even impossible if theexerciser wishes to arbitrarily transition from one type of exercise toanother such as, for example, transitioning from a run to a walkwhenever the exerciser becomes tired.

In addition to the challenges associated with accumulating performancedata, calculating historical and statistical analyses on the performancedata presents a further challenge. A computer is often needed to performthe analyses quickly and efficiently, which requires the user to have acomputer at the exercise site or leave the exercise site in order toaccess a computer to view the analyses. Furthermore, if the user doesnot have an exercise device adapted to automatically store performancedata in a manner in which it can be transferred to a computer, the userhas the burden of manually entering the data into the computer.

Due to the above-mentioned and other problems and disadvantages in theart, a need exists for an improved mechanism to assist a user inreaching performance goals, navigating during a training session, andrecording and analyzing training session statistics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the above-described and other problemsand disadvantages in the prior art with a personal training deviceadapted to assist a user in reaching performance goals and completingtraining sessions by tracking user performance; communicating progress,including progress relative to user-defined goals; communicatingnavigation directions and waypoints; and storing and analyzing trainingsession statistics. The device may be used, for example, by an exerciseror other user on a well-defined course or on an undefined course, forland-based activities or water-based activities, and for any combinationthereof. In a preferred embodiment, the device broadly comprises a GPScomponent; a user interface, including an input portion and an outputportion; a processor, including a timer and a memory element; a datainterface, including an input portion and an output portion; an audiocomponent; a power supply; a housing for enclosing the aforementionedcomponents and an attachment mechanism for associating the housing withthe user.

The GPS component provides, in a conventional manner, geographiclocation information based on signals received from two or more membersof an array of orbiting satellites. The GPS component may be, forexample, a GPS receiver much like those provided in products by GarminCorporation.

The user interface allows the user to provide input to the processor viathe input portion of the user interface, and to allow the processor tocommunicate with the user via the output portion of the interface. Theprocessor receives and processes information from the GPS component,from the input portion of the user interface, and from the input portionof the data interface and provides information via the output portion ofthe user interface and the output portion of the data interface.

The timer is used for monitoring time and the memory element is used tostore information. The data interface allows a user to transferinformation to or from a computing device. The audio component providesaudible training information. The power supply provides power to thevarious other components of the device.

The housing contains or encloses the remaining components so as toprotect and shield them from the hazards of use and of the environment.The housing may take any suitable shape, including, for example,ergonomic shapes molded to substantially correspond to a portion of theuser's body whereupon or against which the housing is meant to rest. Theattachment mechanism secures, retains, or maintains the housing in closephysical association with the user. As such, the attachment mechanismmay take the form of any mechanism suitable to such functionality. Theattachment mechanism may also provide for adjustment and for elasticallyaccommodating the user's movement and flexibility.

Broadly, the device uses information from the GPS component, the inputportion of the user interface and the input portion of the datainterface to advantageously assist the user in accomplishing at leastthree tasks, including reaching a performance goal, navigating, andaccumulating statistics.

It will be appreciated that the device of the present invention providesa number of substantial advantages over the prior art, including, forexample, automatically tracking user performance, thereby eliminatingthe need for the user to manually measure performance during a trainingsession or follow a pre-determined course. Furthermore, the devicecommunicates goal and performance information to the user, helping theuser to reach pre-defined goals during the training session by informingthe user of progress toward the goals. Additionally, the deviceautomatically accumulates and stores performance statistics, eliminatingthe need for the user to manually record performance information andmaintain the information for extended periods of time. Additionally, thedevice communicates GPS-based navigation information to the user,enabling the user to visually monitor his or her location on a map orposition on a course.

These and other important features of the present invention are morefully described in the sections titled DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERREDEMBODIMENTS, below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detailbelow with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of components in a preferred embodiment of thepersonal training device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an interface component of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a depiction of a first visual graphic performance indicatoradapted for use in completing a first task of assisting a user to reachperformance goals;

FIG. 4 is a depiction of a second visual graphic performance indicatoradapted for use in completing a first task of assisting a user to reachperformance goals;

FIG. 5 is a depiction of a third visual graphic performance indicatoradapted for use in completing a first task of assisting a user to reachperformance goals;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of steps involved in completing a first task ofassisting a user to reach performance goals;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of visual graphic menus adapted for use incompleting the task of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a depiction of a fourth visual graphic performance indicatoradapted for use in completing the task of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a depiction of a fifth visual graphic performance indicatoradapted for use in completing the task of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a depiction of a fourth visual graphic performance indicatoradapted for use in completing the task of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a depiction of a fourth visual graphic performance indicatoradapted for use in completing the task of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of steps involved in completing a preferredimplementation of the first task of assisting the user to reachperformance goals.

FIG. 13 is a depiction of a visual graphic adapted for use in completinga second task of assisting a user in navigating;

FIG. 14 is a depiction of a first visual graphic adapted for use incompleting a third task of assisting a user in accumulating andanalyzing performance statistics;

FIG. 15 is a depiction of a second visual graphic adapted for use incompleting a third task of assisting a user in accumulating andanalyzing performance statistics;

FIG. 16 is a depiction of a third visual graphic adapted for use incompleting a third task of assisting a user in accumulating andanalyzing performance statistics;

FIG. 17 is a depiction of a fourth visual graphic adapted for use incompleting a third task of assisting a user in accumulating andanalyzing performance statistics; and

FIG. 18 is a depiction of a fifth visual graphic adapted for use incompleting a third task of assisting a user in accumulating andanalyzing performance statistics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a personal training device 10 is shown constructedin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thedevice 10 is adapted to assist a user in reaching performance goals andcompleting training sessions by tracking user performance; communicatingprogress, including progress relative to user-defined goals;communicating navigation directions and waypoints; and calculating andstoring training session statistics. The device 10 may be used, forexample, by an exerciser or other user on a well-defined course or on anundefined course, for land-based activities or water-based activities,or for any combination thereof.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the device 10 broadly comprisesa GPS component 40; a user interface 50, including an input portion 52and an output portion 54; a processor 60, including a timer 62 and amemory element 64; a data interface 70, including an input portion 72and an output portion 74; an audio component 80; a power supply 90; ahousing 92; and an attachment mechanism 94.

The GPS component 40 is adapted to provide, in a substantiallyconventional manner, geographic location information for the device 10based on signals received from two or more members of an array oforbiting satellites. This location information is provided to theprocessor 60. The GPS component may be, for example, a GPS receiver muchlike those provided in products by Garmin Corporation.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the user interface 50 is adapted to receive auser input and to communicate the input to the processor 60 via theinput portion 52 of the user interface 50, and to allow the processor tocommunicate an output via the output portion 54 of the interface 50. Theinput portion 52 preferably includes one or more buttons, switches,membranous keypads, or other input mechanisms 56 for providing input tothe processor 60. Such input may include, for example, a PWR/Light inputto turn the unit on and off and to turn a back light on and off; a Modeinput to change an operating mode of the unit; a Lap/Reset input totrigger a lap or to reset a timing function; a Start/Stop/OK input tostart and stop the timing function or to confirm a menu selection; andup and down inputs to choose a data screen or change selections within adata screen. The output portion 54 preferably includes a visual display58, such as, for example, an LCD screen, for visually communicatinginformation, such as, for example, total distance, total distance goal,speed, and speed goal. The visual display 58 is adapted to displayinformation using large font and images for easy reference during atraining session, using small font and images to accommodate moreinformation while the user is reviewing performance characteristics orprogramming the device 10, or using a combination of large and smallfont and images.

The data interface 70 is adapted to allow a user to transfer informationto a computing or sensing device using the output portion 74 or from acomputing or sensing device using the input portion 72. The datainterface 70 may be used, for example, for downloading monitored andstored performance data from the device 10 to a personal computer forlater reference or additional processing (e.g., graphing over time).

The processor 60 is adapted to receive and process information from theGPS component 40, from the input portion 52 of the user interface 50,and from the input portion 72 of the data interface 70. The processor 60is adapted to communicate information via the output portion 54 of theuser interface 50 and the output portion 74 of the data interface 70 Thetimer 62 is adapted to monitor time, much like a stopwatch, and tocalculate speed, as described below. The memory element 64 is 10 used tostore information, including, for example, the number of laps completed,geographical locations, total time, total distance, and average speed.The audio component 80 is adapted to provide audible traininginformation such as, for example, calculated or monitored performancecharacteristics and goals. The audio component 80 gives voice toelectronic output signals generated by the processor 60 and maycomprise, for example, a speaker and an earphone jack.

The processor 60 may be provided with an altimf3ter 85 to providealtitude information to the processor 60. The processor may use thealtitude information when calculating, for example, an elevation or achange in elevation which could affect the user's performance.

The power supply 90 provides power to the various other components ofthe device 10. Preferably the power supply 90 is in the form of abattery, whether rechargeable or non-rechargeable.

The housing 92 is adapted to enclose and contain other components of thedevice 10 so as to protect and shield them from the hazards of use(e.g., jostling, dropping, other mechanical shock) and of theenvironment (e.g., rain, dust). As such, the housing 92 is preferablyconstructed from a suitable lightweight and impact-resistant materialsuch as, for example, plastic, nylon, aluminum, or any combinationthereof. Additionally, the housing 92 preferably includes one or moreappropriate gaskets or seals 96 to make it substantially waterproof orresistant. Though shown as being substantially rectangular, the housing92 may take any suitable shape, including, for example, ergonomic shapesmolded to substantially correspond to a portion of the user's body(e.g., arm, leg, hip) whereupon or against which the housing 92 is meantto rest.

The attachment mechanism 94 is adapted to secure, retain, and maintainthe housing 92 in close physical association with the user. As such, theattachment mechanism 94 may take the form of any mechanism suitable tosuch functionality, including, for example, an armband-type mechanismfor securing the housing 92 to the user's arm; a waistband-typemechanism for securing the housing 92 to the user's waist; a belthook-type mechanism for securing the housing 92 to the user's belt orwaistband; or an over-the-shoulder-type mechanism for wearing thehousing 92 over the user's shoulder. Furthermore, the attachmentmechanism 94 is preferably adjustable, using, for example. aconventional buckle or hook-and-loop-type mechanism. Additionally, theattachment mechanism 94 is, when appropriate, preferably elastic orotherwise accommodating of the user's movement and flexibility.

The device 10 uses information from the GPS component 40, the inputportion 52 of the user interface 50, and the input portion 72 of thedata interface 70 to assist the user in accomplishing at least threetasks, including a first task of reaching a performance goal, a secondtask of navigating, and a third task of accumulating and analyzingstatistics. Each of these tasks, and how they are enabled with thepresent invention, are described below.

The device 10 may assist the user in accomplishing the first task ofreaching performance goals by automatically monitoring and reporting theuser's performance. The device 10 may monitor the user's performance byusing the processor 60 to calculate and track any of a variety ofperformance characteristics, such as, for example, the user's location,elevation, distance, elapsed time, speed or calories burned. Forexample, the processor 60 may calculate a location by using locationdata from the GPS component 40. The processor 60 may calculate anelevation using location data from the GPS component 40, altitudeinformation from the altimeter 85, or both. The processor 60 maycalculate a change in elevation by comparing a current elevation with aprevious elevation. The processor 60 may calculate a distance bycomparing a current location with a previous location. The processor 60may calculate an elapsed time using data from the timer 62 by comparinga previous time with a current time. The processor 60 may calculate aspeed by comparing a distance with an elapsed time. The processor 60 maycalculate a number or calories burned based upon the user's currentspeed and the user's body weight, and may also consider distance andchange in elevation.

The user may choose the performance characteristics to display on theuser interface 50, either using default data screens such as thosedepicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, or by creating a customized data screen,depicted in FIG. 5 The device 10 is adapted to allow users to switchbetween various modes of monitoring and reporting performancecharacteristics by pressing a button. Automatically monitoring andreporting the user's performance would be a convenient and sufficientmethod of assisting the user in reaching performance goals in situationswhere the user can easily remember the performance goal and measureprogress towards reaching the goal, such as, for example, when strivingto reach a time goal or a distance goal while running on a closed track.For situations in which remembering performance goals and measuringprogress may be difficult or impossible, the device 10 is also adaptedto record goals, automatically measure progress towards reaching thosegoals, and report the progress to the user.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the device 10 may also assist the userin accomplishing the first task of reaching a performance goal by firstallowing the user to communicate goal information to the processor 60,as depicted in block 210. The goal information may relate to, forexample, average speed, maximum speed, distance, or time for one or moretraining intervals or for an entire training session. The user maymanually communicate the goal information to the processor 60 via theinput portion 52 of the user interface 50, may download goal informationfrom an external device to the processor 60 by connecting the externaldevice to the input portion 72 of the data interface 70, and may usegoal information stored in the memory element 64. The processor 60stores the goal information in the memory element 64, as depicted inblock 220.

The device 10 then monitors the user's performance, as depicted in block230, by using the processor 60 to calculate and track any of a varietyof performance characteristics, as described above. The processor 60preferably stores performance information in the memory element 64. asdepicted in block 240.

The processor 60 uses the goal information and the performanceinformation to assist the user in reaching the pre-defined goals, suchas, for example, by comparing the goal information with the performanceinformation, as depicted in block 250, and communicating performanceinformation relative to goal information, as depicted in block 260. Thedevice 10 may communicate with the user via the output portion 54 of theuser interface 50, the audio component 80 or the output portion 74 ofthe data interface 70.

It will be appreciated that the above-described mechanism for assistinga user in reaching performance goals may be used in a variety ofactivities, sports, and types of training. For example, the device 10 ispreferably adapted to assist the user in interval training byrecognizing various segments of a training lap or course and allowingthe user to program particular goals for each of the segments. Thedevice 10 may notify the user of a transition from one segment toanother and assist the user in reaching the particular goals related toeach segment.

In a first preferred implementation, the user communicates performancegoal information to the processor 60 via the input portion 52 of theuser interface 50. The processor 60 visually guides the user through theprocess of setting goals with a menu sequence 100 shown on the display58. The menu sequence 100 may include an options menu 110 which allowsthe user to choose the performance goal or goals he wishes to set, and agoal screen 130 which shows a current goal value 132. The goal screen130 allows the user to change the goal value 132 by using goal valuemenus 120, 140 with commonly use pre-defined goal values, or bycommunicating 15 arbitrary goal information to the processor 60 via theinput portion 52 of the user interface 50. The user presses a startbutton 56 on the user interface 50 to begin the training session.

The device 10 preferably motivates the user to reach his or herperformance goals at various times, including during a training sessionand after a training session. During a training session the device 10may motivate the user to reach the performance goal by, for example,instructing the user to modify performance, encouraging the user tomaintain the performance, and alerting the user when a goal has beenreached. The device 10 may instruct the user to modify performance by,for example, showing progress bars 150 on the display 58 which reflectthe user's progress toward reaching the goals, or by sending an audiomessage to the audio component 80 such as, for example, “increase yourspeed by five percent” or “you are fifty feet behind schedule.” After atraining session, the virtual coach may motivate the user to reach thegoals by, for example, congratulating the user for partially reaching agoal and suggesting a new goal; scolding the user for not reaching agoal; encouraging the user to try again; or recommending improvementstrategies based upon the user's performance. The device 10 maycommunicate with the user constantly or only at particular times,places, or intervals. For example, it may communicate with the user onlyat specified lap markers to simulate a coach standing at a point on atrack and speaking to the user as he or she passes the coach. The device10 preferably has two or more personalities for the user to choose from,including, for example, male and female, passive and active, lessaggressive and more aggressive.

Referring also to FIGS. 8-11, in a second preferred implementation, thedevice 10 is adapted to create a virtual competitor to compete againstthe user by using a performance profile of a virtual athlete whoachieves the user's goals and informing the user of his or herperformance relative to the virtual athlete. The device 10 may informthe user by, for example, communicating via the display 58 a graphic 310of the user's position relative to the virtual competitor, displaying atext message 320 indicating the user's position relative to the virtualcompetitor or other performance information, or both. The device 10 mayalso inform the user with an audio message using the audio component 80.For example, if the training session includes running, the device 10 mayshow a graphic of a race on the display 58, in which the position ofboth the user and the competitor are visible, and may play an audiodepiction of the competitor's footsteps as the competitor gets closer.

The virtual competitor may have a performance profile corresponding tothe performance of an actual person, allowing the user to gauge his orher performance against other people. The performance profile of aperson, such as, for example, a well-known or professional athlete, maybe downloaded into the device via the input portion 74 of the datainterface 70. In addition to downloading a performance profile, thedevice may create a performance profile of the user by gathering theuser's performance characteristics during a training session andassembling the characteristics into a performance profile. This wouldallow the user, for example, to simulate training with a companion ifthe companion is absent by enabling the companion to create aperformance profile in a previous training session and store the profilein the memory element 64 for later use. The device 10 preferably allowsthe user to compete against more than one virtual competitor at a time,including, for example, competitors with virtual performance profilesand competitors with performance profiles of actual people. The virtualcompetitor may take forms other than an athlete, such as, for example, avirtual chaser which runs behind or chases the runner and encourages himor her to meet performance goals.

Referring also to FIG. 12, in a third preferred implementation, the usercommunicates performance goal information to the processor 60 via theinput portion 52 of the user interface 50, as depicted in block 410. Theprocessor 60 stores the goal information in the memory element 46, asdepicted in block 420. The device 10 then assists the user in reaching aconstant pace by emitting audible cues at a particular frequency, asdepicted in block 430. The audible cues may be, for example, beepsemitted at one-second intervals, or music with a steady beat. Theaudible cues assist the user in reaching and maintaining a constant paceby allowing the user to match an exercise rhythm with the frequency ofthe audible cues. For example, a runner may take two steps per audiblecue. The device 10 emits the audible cues via the audio component 80,the output portion 54 of the user interface 50, or both. The device 10then monitors performance, as depicted in block 440. The device 10 maymonitor performance using geographic location information and timinginformation. Speed is determined based upon GPS readings, and the numberof strides per cue is calculated based upon speed and stride length. Thedevice 10 then determines if the performance is stable, as depicted inblock 450, by comparing a current performance characteristic withprevious performance characteristics. For example, the device 10 maydetermine that performance has stabilized if a current speed is the sameas a speed measured thirty seconds prior to the current speed. If theperformance is not stable, the device 10 continues to monitorperformance and check for performance stability until it determines thatthe performance is stable.

When the performance is stable, the device 10 compares the goalinformation with the performance information, as depicted in block 460,to determine if the performance goals have been met, as depicted inblock 470. If the performance goal has not been met, the device 10assists the user in reaching the goal by adjusting the frequency of theaudible cues to reflect a change in performance needed to meet the goal.To help a user increase speed in order to reach a speed goal, forexample, the device 10 gradually increases the frequency of the audiblecues. If the user is on track to reach the goal the device 10 willassist the user in maintaining performance by maintaining the frequencyof the audible cues. It will be appreciated that the device 10 can makeuse of audible tones in a variety of ways to assist the user in reachingperformance goals, such as, for example, by emitting a certain tone ifthe user is going too fast and a different tone if the user is going tooslow. Additionally, the device 10 may be adapted to enhance intervaltraining by assisting the user in reaching pace-related goals during oneor more intervals. For example, the device 10 may maintain a slow speedduring a first interval, gradually increase the speed during a nextinterval to reach a higher speed, maintain the higher speed during anext interval, then gradually decrease the speed during a finalinterval.

Referring also to FIG. 13, the device 10 may assist the user with thesecond task of navigating by first communicating location data from theGPS component 40 to the processor 60. The processor 60 then calculatesuser location information using the location data. The processor 60communicates the location information to the user via the output portion54 of the user interface 50 or the output portion 74 of the datainterface 70. The processor 60 supplements the location informationusing map or course information stored in the memory element 64. Theprocessor 60 preferably communicates the location information to theuser by displaying a map of the user's location and placing a locationmarker 500 on the map indicating a position of the user on the map. Theprocessor 60 may communicate the location information to the user invarious ways including, for example, by visually or audiblycommunicating to the user a longitude and latitude.

The device 10 further assists the user in navigating by providing apreferred heading associated with a destination. The device 10 allowsthe user to manually store locations in the memory element 64, such as astarting location or a location of interest along a training route. Thedevice 10 may also be adapted to automatically store locations in thememory element 64, such as by storing a starting location where thedevice 10 is turned on; where the device 10 begins or ends monitoringperformance, such as when a timer function is started or stopped; wherea training interval has been reached; or where a performance goal hasbeen reached. The user can choose any of the stored locations andrequest the device 10 to provide navigation instructions 510 to returnto the location. The navigation instructions 510 may include, forexample, an arrow indicating a heading; a distance; and an estimatedtime of arrival based on a current speed and the distance.

It will be appreciated that the device 10 may use location and courseinformation in various ways to assist the user in navigation. Forexample, the device 10 is preferably adapted to notify the user when theuser has reached a predetermined point in a training session. The pointmay be a lap, distance, geographic location, elevation, time of day,elapsed time, or speed.

The device 10 may assist the user with the third task of accumulatingand processing statistics by first monitoring the user's performance andstoring performance characteristics in the memory element 64. The device10 is preferably adapted to allow a user to select particularperformance characteristics to monitor and store, and determine when theprocessor 60 will monitor and accumulate the characteristics. Theprocessor 60 may perform a historical data analysis such as totaldistance traveled or total elapsed time of various training sessions.The processor 60 may also perform a statistical data analysis such as,for example, an average speed during a training session. The device 10preferably allows the user to select from various time periods overwhich to perform the analyses, including, for example, a certain numberof training sessions or a certain number of days. The device 10 isadapted to display a menu on the user interface 50 that allows a user tochoose between several historical performance reports, as depicted inFIG. 14. The menu may include a “QUICK REPORT” function to allow a userto view a performance characteristic report of the prior exercisesession. The menu may further include functions to allow the user toview performance characteristic reports covering the entire day, week,or longer. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a quick report data screen.FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 illustrate examples of data screens corresponding toperformance characteristic reports covering a day and a week,respectively.

The processor 60 is adapted to use performance information anduser-defined performance thresholds to trigger the accumulation oftraining session statistics. A user may program a specific performancethreshold over which the processor 60 will accumulate trip statistics.The threshold may be, for example, a speed of five miles per hour or analtitude of five thousand feet. Because the threshold is user-defined,the user may use this function for any of various sports that involvedifferent performance characteristics, such as, for example, biking,jogging and walking. The device may use default performance thresholdsfor various sports, or may allow the user to program specificperformance threshold values. In use the training processor 60 maycalculate a current speed continuously throughout a trip and compare thespeed to the threshold speed. When the current speed is above thethreshold speed the processor 60 accumulates trip statistics. When thecurrent speed is below the threshold speed the processor 60 does notaccumulate trip statistics, or accumulates resting statistics ratherthan trip statistics. Thus, this function allows the user to discardresting statistics or distinguish between trip statistics and restingstatistics.

The device 10 is further adapted to automatically record lap statistics,relieving the user of the burden of pressing a “LAP” button to recordthe statistics each time a lap is completed. The user may program thedevice 10 with lap indicators before a training session or during thesession. For example, the user may define a lap as 400 meters so thatthe device records lap statistics at 400 meter intervals during thetraining session. The user may also program the device 10 to record lapstatistics each time the user passes a location, such as a particularpoint on a circular track. Alternatively, the user may program or changethe lap indicators during the training session by, for example,indicating the beginning and end of a lap and letting the device 10calculate the distance traveled and assign that distance to a lap. Anytime during a training session the user may view the performancecharacteristics associated with each lap, as depicted in FIG. 18.

The device 10 is further adapted to assist a user in interval training.The user may wish to pursue different goals during different portions,or intervals, of a training session. For example, the user may wish toseparate a running training session into three one-mile intervals andassign a different time or average speed goal to each interval, orassign a time goal to one interval and an average speed goal to anotherinterval. An interval need not be defined only by distance, but may bedefined by any performance characteristic or combination of performancecharacteristics the device 10 is capable of monitoring, such as speedand distance. The device 10 is preferably adapted to communicateperformance and goal information relative to an interval, andautomatically store performance information at a given interval.

This functionality may be especially useful, for example, to anexerciser who is training for a triathlon, which is an athletic contestin which participants compete without stopping in three successiveevents, usually long-distance swimming, bicycling, and running. Theaverage speed during the swimming event would be considerably slowerthan the average speed during the running event, and the average speedduring the running event would be considerably slower than the averagespeed during the bicycling event. In training for such a competition,the user could avail himself or herself of the interval trainingfeatures of the device 10 by defining intervals according to speed anddistance. For example, the user may define a first interval as speedsbelow 8 miles per hour (swimming); a second interval as speeds betweeneight miles per hour and 15 miles per hour (running); and a thirdinterval as speeds over 15 miles per hour (bicycling). The user couldfurther define subintervals according to distance, such as by dividingthe swimming interval into three subintervals of 500 yards each;dividing the running interval into five subintervals of one mile each;and dividing the bicycling interval into three subintervals of fivemiles each. The device 10 would monitor the user's performance toautomatically assign performance characteristics to the swimming,running, or bicycling interval and any subinterval the user may havecreated. During the training session the device 10 informs the user ofperformance relative to interval goals, and informs the user of changesin intervals and interval goals. After completing the training sessionthe user could quickly review performance characteristics for eachinterval and subinterval and review historical and statistical analysesof the performance characteristics.

From the preceding description, it will be appreciated that the deviceof the present invention provides a number of substantial advantagesover the prior art, including, for example, automatically tracking userperformance, thereby eliminating the need for the user to manuallymeasure performance during a training session or follow a pre-determinedcourse. Furthermore, the device communicates goal and performanceinformation to the user, helping the user reach pre-defined goals duringthe training session by informing the user of progress toward the goals.Additionally, the device communicates GPS-based navigation informationto the user, enabling the user to visually monitor his or her locationon a map or position on a course. Finally, the device automaticallyaccumulates and stores performance statistics, eliminating the need forthe user to manually record performance information and maintain theinformation for extended periods of time.

Although the invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings, it is notedthat equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. Itwill be appreciated, for example, that the housing and the attachmentmechanism may take any practical functional, ergonomic, or aestheticallydesirable shape.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what isclaimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includesthe following:

1. A device for motivating a user to reach their performance goals, thedevice comprising: a performance measurement component; a processor forreceiving information relating to the user's performance from theperformance measurement component and generating electronic outputsignals based the user's performance; and an audio component forgenerating voice messages based on the electronic output signals.
 2. Thedevice as set forth in claim 1, wherein the processor calculates adistance traveled based on the information from the performancemeasurement component.
 3. The device as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe processor determines a speed based on the information from theperformance measurement component
 4. The device as set forth in claim 1,wherein the processor generates the electrical output signals accordingto an interval.
 5. The device as set forth in claim 4, wherein theinterval is based on time.
 6. The device as set forth in claim 4,wherein the interval is based on distance.
 7. The device as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the voice messages instruct the user to modify theirperformance.
 8. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the voicemessages encourage the user to maintain their performance.
 9. The deviceas set forth in claim 1, wherein the voice messages alert the user whena goal has been reached.
 10. A device for motivating a user to reachtheir performance goals, the device comprising: a performancemeasurement component; a processor for receiving information relating tothe user's performance from the performance measurement component,calculating a distance traveled, determining a speed based on thedistance traveled over time, and generating electronic output signalsbased on a parameter selected from the group consisting of the user'sperformance, the distance traveled, and the speed; and an audiocomponent for generating voice messages based on the electronic outputsignals.
 11. The device as set forth in claim 10, wherein the processorgenerates the electrical output signals according to an interval. 12.The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the interval is based ontime.
 13. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the interval isbased on distance.
 14. The device as set forth in claim 10, wherein thevoice messages instruct the user to modify their performance.
 15. Thedevice as set forth in claim 10, wherein the voice messages encouragethe user to maintain their performance.
 16. The device as set forth inclaim 10, wherein the voice messages alert the user when a goal has beenreached.
 17. A device for motivating a user to reach their performancegoals, the device comprising: a performance measurement component; aprocessor for receiving information relating to the user's performancefrom the performance measurement component, calculating a distancetraveled, determining a speed based on the distance traveled over time,and generating electronic output signals based on a parameter selectedfrom the group consisting of the user's performance, the distancetraveled, and the speed; a display for displaying the distance traveledand the speed; an audio component for generating voice messages based onthe electronic output signals; a housing containing and protecting theperformance measurement component, the processor, the display, and theaudio component; and an attachment mechanism for securing the housing tothe user, thereby allowing the device to motivate the user duringtraining.
 18. The device as set forth in claim 17, wherein the processorgenerates the electrical output signals according to an interval. 19.The device as set forth in claim 18, wherein the interval is based ontime.
 20. The device as set forth in claim 18, wherein the interval isbased on distance.
 21. The device as set forth in claim 17, wherein thevoice messages instruct the user to modify their performance.
 22. Thedevice as set forth in claim 17, wherein the voice messages encouragethe user to maintain their performance.
 23. The device as set forth inclaim 17, wherein the voice messages alert the user when a goal has beenreached.